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Helminthic infestations in the Tyrol, Austria.
H Tomaso1, M P Dierich, F Allerberger
1Institute for Hygiene and Social Medicine, Schöpfstr. 41, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
Summary
Intestinal helminthosis in Austria has significantly decreased. Enterobius vermicularis was the most common parasite found between 1990-2000, with a low overall prevalence of 0.24%.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Intestinal helminthosis represents a significant global health concern.
- Historical data indicates varying prevalence rates of parasitic infections in Austria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and common types of intestinal helminthosis in Austria.
- To analyze trends in helminth infection rates over a decade.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 142,426 samples examined for intestinal helminths.
- Data collected from the federal public health laboratory in Innsbruck between 1990 and 2000.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of intestinal helminthosis was 0.24% from 1990-2000.
- Enterobius vermicularis was the most prevalent helminth (49.7%), followed by Taenia saginata (28.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides (12.8%), and Trichuris trichiura (3.9%).
- A marked decrease in prevalence was observed compared to historical data from 1945 (26%) and 1985 (0.98%).
Conclusions:
- Intestinal helminthosis in Austria shows a low and declining prevalence.
- Enterobius vermicularis is the predominant helminth species.
- The findings suggest a successful public health impact on reducing parasitic infections.